Broadly spreading, deciduous. A tough hedgerow and woodland tree. Popular for trimmed formal hedges. The timber is very hard and used for turnery. Yellow autumn colour. We also recommend Fagus sylvatica as a good alternative for a clipped hedge. 1 year olds - HEDGE spacing 30-60cm

E. Mediterranean region. Broadly spreading, deciduous. Masses of mauve pea-like flowers in clusters along the old shoots, branches and trunk before the leaves emerge. Very impressive. Tolerates dry sites.

Manna ash - from south Europe and southwest Asia. Broadly spreading, deciduous. Bark is dark grey remaining smooth. Leaves with 5-9 broad ovoid leaflets, autumn colours yellow or purple. Conspicuous clusters of small fragrant white flowers, insect pollinated, developing into bunches of slender samaras. Sap produces a sugary extract 'manna'. Very drought tolerant and used as a street tree.

N America. A hybrid of P. orientalis x P. occidentalis. Broadly columnar, deciduous. Trunk often continuous right through the crown. Bark flakes in large plates. Leaves up to 25cm across. Withstands city pollution. Good furniture timber.